read store page That's it for the AH-64D?

[v2tec]

I can't see any progress in the recent patches or any annoucements for the AH-64D roadmap. Is the development still ongoing?

What I can see is the annoucement of the Hercules C-130, the F-100D - who cares! I really appreciate it, if dcs could focus the development on beta packages. I miss many features of the AH-64D. Still many bugs exists. For me, it's not fun, flying the AH-64D in multiplayer...

 

[Raptor9]

The development of the DCS AH-64D has never stopped since release in March, and will continue for quite some time. The module is in early access, and every major patch has included bug fixes for the AH-64D and some have included additional features. Early access will be a marathon, not a sprint, so patience will be required.

New features are also in progress, such as the Image Auto Tracker, among others.

The C-130, F-100, and the recently announced A-1 are all being developed by 3rd party teams, not Eagle Dynamics, and therefore have no impact on ED's projects such as the AH-64D. Further, ED has many teams with their own responsibities, so when the F-16 gets new features, this does not mean that the AH-64D is collecting dust. There are many, many parallel lines of effort happening within ED for various modules and the core DCS World software. But there are also many, many 3rd parties developing aircraft, maps and DLC campaigns for DCS as well.

[StrongHarm]

I get impatient concerning the AH-64 as well.. I have been since a decade before it came out actually LOL.  If you don't mind the perspective of a fellow virtual pilot, this is what brings me patience:

On 5/27/2022 at 1:17 PM, StrongHarm said:

I'd pay much more than $65 for the Apache even in it's current state, which all things said, is in great shape.  Especially for very early access.  I've not found anything that would make me say "this isn't ready for me to fly yet".  It's just rough edges, which can be expected for very early access.  I'm personally weary of giving any game studio money for early access, but it's important to remember what we're paying for.  A helo in an FPS game may have (let's just say) 300 function points which require code.  The FPS helo is basically a reskinned player object which is flying and has different weapons.  The early access DCS Apache on the other hand might have 250,000 function points which require code.  When it's complete it might have 300,000 function points.  These are arbitrary numbers of course, meant only to provide contrast.  My point is that for an aviation enthusiast like myself, a meticulously and lovingly modelled aircraft, complete with functional subsystems which aren't even visible like hydraulic lines, holds more value to me than to someone who isn't an aviation enthusiast.  If I were just "a gamer" I would probably wait until Apache launch to make the purchase... but I'm that guy who goes to visit his son on the Army base, but ends up spending all his time watching the Apaches play.  In other words; the value of this module is subjective, and it's purchase is completely optional.  In practical terms, early access to this module is, from my perspective, a generous move by ED which also allows me to contribute feedback and bug reports.  That payment of $65 was my confidence that ED is going to provide a great final product, and that I'm interested in helping them do it.

I'm just glad they didn't charge what it's worth to me... it would have gutted my bank account.

[Dangerzone]

6 hours ago, StrongHarm said:

I get impatient concerning the AH-64 as well.. I have been since a decade before it came out actually LOL.  If you don't mind the perspective of a fellow virtual pilot, this is what brings me patience:

Nice post. I think the enjoyment of the Apache has little to do with where it is currently, and most to do with perspective and attitude. As my wife has said to others when asked what's the secret to our happy marriage - her response was "to lower my expectations". Ouch 

I at times get erk'ed about issues here and there - but lowering my expectations didn't change the module - it changed my experience with it. I enjoy it for what it is now. Then when something else gets added/enhanced - I get yet another present to enjoy - and can raise my expectations a bit. This give me a lot of joy as the months roll on and new features are placed, and bugs fixed.

I am on servers with some others who refuse to fly it because of one or two issue, and they get real mad. The fact that they can't see past that issue or make accommoations for it robs them of the enjoyment that I get to experience. That's nothing against them - I get it - not everyone is the same, some have a more stressful life, or have lived their life with high expectations and it's part of their personality, so this approach definitely isn't for everyone, but for myself - I'm so glad that ED has Early Access available, let's us be part of their development cycle and I'm able to enjoy what it currently has to offer.

[StrongHarm]

@Dangerzonethat's a commendable attitude and might be a great mental exercise for many things in life.  Thank you for sharing that... I'll alter my TTPs accordingly.

I think you're right about it being subjective.  I need to remember how biased I am on the subject.  I've been salivating over the Apache since I sat in my first one during Desert Storm then witnessed it's capabilities.  I should probably display my giddy  joy less often... no sense in further irritating anyone who might already be irritated.  These boards could use some more of the comradery we had back in the day.  Here are some of my old pre-Apache posts:

Posted May 26, 2015
If ED ever makes a PFM/ASM of the AH-64D, I'll have to dig a slit trench in my office and buy a two year supply of beefaroni.. only to find next time I take a break that my wife has moved out and my dog is bonding with the neighbors.

Posted July 7, 2015
AH-64.. I'd gnaw on my monitor and whine like a mutt.

Posted February 20, 2018
Me if DCS:AH-64 ever happens: "I don't remember what day I lost my job, my house, my cars, or my wife. I don't even know if today is shower day.  I can tell you the launch date of DCS: AH-64 Apache though. Ahh what a glorious day! Hey, does someone on your news crew have a sandwich or something? Yeah ok, I'll take off my VR goggles for a sandwich."

Posted January 24, 2018
..I think my vote would go to the AH-64 instead of the KA-52. The notion does put a fear in me though. I will, very likely, lose my job and my marriage if ED puts out an Apache module.

 

(Epilogue: I lost my job and my dog.  I think my wife is still here.)

Edit:  It occurred to me after I posted this, that would be a great Product Tag Line on advertisements for DCS Apache;
User Reviews - "I lost my job and my dog.  I think my wife is still here."  That pretty much says it all LOL.

Edited September 14, 2022 by StrongHarm

[Dangerzone]

8 minutes ago, StrongHarm said:

@Dangerzonethat's a commendable attitude and might be a great mental exercise for many things in life.  Thank you for sharing that... I'll alter my TTPs accordingly.

I think you're right about it being subjective.  I need to remember how biased I am on the subject.  I've been salivating over the Apache since I sat in my first one during Desert Storm then witnessed it's capabilities.  I should probably display my giddy  joy less often... no sense in further irritating anyone who might already be irritated.  These boards could use some more of the comradery we had back in the day.  Here are some of my old pre-Apache posts:

Posted May 26, 2015
If ED ever makes a PFM/ASM of the AH-64D, I'll have to dig a slit trench in my office and buy a two year supply of beefaroni.. only to find next time I take a break that my wife has moved out and my dog is bonding with the neighbors.

Posted July 7, 2015
AH-64.. I'd gnaw on my monitor and whine like a mutt.

Posted February 20, 2018
Me if DCS:AH-64 ever happens: "I don't remember what day I lost my job, my house, my cars, or my wife. I don't even know if today is shower day.  I can tell you the launch date of DCS: AH-64 Apache though. Ahh what a glorious day! Hey, does someone on your news crew have a sandwich or something? Yeah ok, I'll take off my VR goggles for a sandwich."

Posted January 24, 2018
..I think my vote would go to the AH-64 instead of the KA-52. The notion does put a fear in me though. I will, very likely, lose my job and my marriage if ED puts out an Apache module.

 

(Epilogue: I lost my job and my dog.  I think my wife is still here.)

March 17th is a public holiday for me now.  Problem is I keep forgetting my wedding anniversary date. 

[MrReynolds]

I just want to fly and fight in the front seat in Multi-player, like I can in SP.

It's the simple things hey! (Yes - I know not that simple)!! 

[DOG]

On 9/14/2022 at 1:51 PM, MrReynolds said:

I just want to fly and fight in the front seat in Multi-player, like I can in SP.

It's the simple things hey! (Yes - I know not that simple)!! 

well your wish came true enjoy xD

[Leg2ion]

On 9/12/2022 at 11:16 PM, Raptor9 said:

There are many, many parallel lines of effort happening within ED for various modules

Hopefully that will include the A10 and we will get a finished module (hint - ARC210!).

[Cato]

On 9/14/2022 at 11:51 AM, MrReynolds said:

I just want to fly and fight in the front seat in Multi-player, like I can in SP.

It's the simple things hey! (Yes - I know not that simple)!! 

Shameless plug: Join our group! www.1staew.com

We have a great Apache Squadron and you won't have to fly by yourself in MP again!

[Iron Sights]

I would love to see the radar guided hellfires soon. I will admit the improvements so far have made the Apache more fun for me. Being able to switch seats in multiplayer will a plus too. I would like to see an Apache campaign. I hope someone is thinking about doing one soon. That would be an instant buy for me. I do think handing off some of the module development will help ED improve what makes the game great. While keeping up a pace of new modules for those who want something different.

[MrReynolds]

4 hours ago, Cato said:

Shameless plug: Join our group! www.1staew.com

We have a great Apache Squadron and you won't have to fly by yourself in MP again!

Ah - but there-in lies the problem!

I "actually enjoy" single seat flying.  I fly it like the FA-18.  Fly, navigate, target and execute all in one, in the front seat.  It's the challenge of doing "it all".

Yep - obviously it's a better weapon system with 2 seats and all that.

 

More importantly, the wife puts up with A LOT of computer gaming from me.  If EVER she were to hear me talk over comms,  in a game - I think the divorce papers will come flying!!  

On 9/17/2022 at 3:43 AM, DOG said:

well your wish came true enjoy xD

Indeed it has!

Edited September 18, 2022 by MrReynolds